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Job Title: Director, Early Childhood Educationand Requisition ID number: 79749
Close Date: No established closing date; open until filled
Organizational Unit: Early Childhood Education (10000259)
Site: Davis Center (0001)
FTE: 1.0 52 weeks; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time
Union: MAAS(43)
Functional Area: Administrative
Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

SUMMARY
Under supervision, provides leadership to the Minneapolis Public Schools Early Childhood Education (ECE) efforts that focus on supporting and promoting the healthy growth and development of children birth to age seven to ensure school readiness and school success.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the development, implementation and evaluation of ECE services to improve and increase services for young children and their families.
• Aligns assessment, curriculum and professional development across District Pre-K through 3rd grade.
• Develops strategies, plans and solutions for ECE issues and initiatives; assists in the development of budgets, strategies and operational plans for ECE departments; identifies staffing and program needs and priorities; works with Advisory Committees to coordinate plans and respond to community issues.
• Assists with ECE Department operations; assures that MPS is providing effective and efficient ECE programs, and ECE students are meeting Federal, state and regional learning standards.
• Provides consultation on ECE Department issues; develops and presents reports on issues and solutions; coordinates with state and Federal regulatory agencies; meets with parents, advocates and stakeholders to address and resolve community concerns.
• Supervises ECE staff, develops priorities, and assigns tasks and projects; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved; develops staff skills and training plans, and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, schedules, workload, critical concerns and technical issues. Assists in the hiring and recruitment of ECE staff.
• Collaborates with other MPS Departments, public agencies and community organizations to expand and improve ECE services; leads efforts to increase ECE funding opportunities.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education; Pre-K to Three Education; Elementary Education; Parent Education; Family Education; Educational Administration, or related field
AND
4years of professional experience in early childhood development and/or parent education curriculum, assessment and professional development; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal laws and regulatory issues governing ECE Programs in public education, including rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.
• Federal and state laws and standards required for No Child Left Behind (NCLB) programs .
• Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including finance, budgeting, purchasing, contract and grant management, customer service and employee supervision.
• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.
• Local community resources, regional community services programs, and regional training programs.
• Specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.

Skill in:

• Directing and coordinating ECE department, program and operational issues.
• Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Reviewing operations and assuring MPS compliance with ECE laws, regulations, and rules.
• Assessing, analyzing, and identifying problems, and recommending effective solutions.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and evaluating staff performance.
• Providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, advocates and representatives from community groups and government agencies.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Minnesota State Driver's License may be required.
Valid Teacher license from the State of Minnesota.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

MAAS 76 Exempt

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.